CASHS prom moving back to the school

The prom is coming back to Chambersburg Area Senior High School - literally.

Students are busy making preparations for their spring formal dance to be held May 4 on school property instead of in a neighboring town.

"It's the safety of the kids really," said Carly Coffey, parent teacher liaison at the school. "On prom day and prom night that was the biggest thing - accidents and kids getting injured. Driving now is different than when we were younger. There are kids who text and drive."

CASHS held prom last year at The Beistle Company in Shippensburg. Traditionally, students travel throughout the region to share a meal before heading to the dance.

"I've talked to students who said they've driven the whole way to Harrisburg or Hagerstown (Md.) to eat dinner and then they'd go to the prom in Shippensburg and drive back home," said CASHS Principal Buddy Chapel. "On top of that, we were wondering why we're spending $1,700 to rent a facility which isn't even in our community. It's not even close to the quality of the facility we have here."

Senior Madison Brookens supported the change.

"I think we wanted the sense of prom," said Brookens. "With Mr. Chapel's input, we also wanted the sense of security. Less traveling played a part into it. I think it all fell together."

Students picked the theme "Enchanted Forest." The food was chosen by taste test. The CASD food services department prepared a meal of prime rib, crab imperial, mashed potatoes, scalloped potatoes and a large variety of desserts.

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The Orchards also created a spread and invited students over to the restaurant for a meal. Owner Michael Kalathas had expressed to Coffey his interest in becoming more involved in the school.

Students liked the idea of a catered meal for 800 students by the local restaurant owned by an alumnus. Kalathas said the dinner will include chicken parmesan, prime rib, crab dip, green beans and desserts.

"I thought it was very cool to be a part of it," said Kalathas. "The money that we're charging to do it has lead to a losing deal whenever you think of making money.

"I couldn't remember where our prom was. What I remember is my group of friends. Students make the prom. It doesn't matter where it is. It's students who make it happen."

The cafeteria will be transformed into a formal dining room. The dance will be held in the CASHS Field House. Tickets for the dance and dinner will be sold April 2-5 for $30 per student. After that, it's $40.

"I don't want the same old stuff that's always happened," said senior Caitlyn Jacobs. "I want change in the school."

It's one of several changes this year, including bringing back the bonfire night and the homecoming parade during homecoming week, a senior class trip and putting student-run vending machines in the school with healthy drink and snack options.

- Staff writer Samantha Cossick contributed to this report.

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Brian Hall can be reached at 262-4811 and bkhall@publicopinionnews.com, or follow him on Twitter @bkhallpo.